Trump administration fires FAA staff
February 17, 2025
The Trump administration has initiated a wave of dismissals within the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), cutting hundreds of probationary employees responsible for maintaining critical air traffic control systems, according to reports.
The layoffs, which took effect over the weekend, come just weeks after a deadly mid-air collision near Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport.
According to David Spero, president of the Professional Aviation Safety Specialists union, probationary employees were notified late on Friday night via email that they had been terminated.
Spero said: “We are troubled and disappointed by the administration’s decision to fire FAA probationary employees PASS represents without cause nor based on performance or conduct.
“Several hundred employees have been impacted with messages being sent from an ‘exec order’ Microsoft email address, not an official .gov email address. Messages began arriving after 7 pm ET on February 14 and continued late into the night. It is possible that others will be notified over the weekend or literally barred from entering FAA buildings on Tuesday, February 18.
“These are not nameless, faceless bureaucrats. They are our family, friends and neighbors. They contribute to our communities. Many military veterans are among them. It is shameful to toss aside dedicated public servants who have chosen to work on behalf of their fellow Americans.”
The National Air Traffic Controllers Association issued a statement Monday acknowledging the firings and stating that it is evaluating their potential impact on flight safety and the broader national airspace system.
